A Piece of Bedford History Priced to Sell, Update on Westchester’s Housing Market, Perennials and Shrubs that Bask in Shade

House of the Week: A piece of Bedford History Priced to Sell

The cost to acquire a 12-acre estate in Bedford? A best buy at $3.995 million. Acquiring a beloved Bedford estate with a rich history and direct connection to master retailer R. H. Macy? “Priceless,” says listing agent Beth Silfen of the historic Sutton Corners Farm property’s history and features—all available for a recently adjusted price of under $4 million. What makes this prominent property so special? For starters, the six-bedroom, four-and-a-half bath Victorian on 12 acres of rolling grounds was built in 1879 for retail pioneer R. H. Macy for his newly married daughter, Florence, and her husband, prominent businessman and arts dealer James Sutton (yes, THE James F. Sutton of Sutton Place fame). Now, more than 130 years later, its distinctive architectural details still charmingly define the sprawling estate. That includes the original canvas-covered plaster walls, mouldings, and tracery; parquet floors crafted from 10 exotic woods; six fireplaces; a porte-cochère; and an expansive ivy-covered wrap-around porch overlooking landscaping designed by Central Park’s designer Frederick Law Olmsted.

“The house has kept its architectural integrity,” Silfen explains. “You can’t find features like this today.” This equestrian property on the Bedford Riding Lanes Association trails also sports a first-rate equestrian facility with a Lawton Adams Olympic Riding Arena, a rebuilt barn transformed from a carriage house, a cottage with four horse stalls attached, and 10 paddocks. Not only has the property been lovingly preserved, but the original clock from the Suttons’ property (purchased by Sutton for his bride) remains protected by the Bedford Historical Society and continues to tick today in the Sutton Clock Tower—a treasured Bedford landmark. Says Silfen: “It’s an outstanding value. Like many other luxury properties, it’s priced to sell after a number of price adjustments by serious sellers.” For more information, contact Houlihan Lawrence listing agent Beth Silfen at (914) 645-4563 or visit www.bethsilfen.houlihanlawrence.com.

Update on Westchester’s Housing Market

Whether or not you have a glass-half-full or a glass-half-empty point of view, the forecast for Westchester’s housing market is mixed. Recent stats from the Douglas Elliman Report for the second quarter 2011 show housing prices are inching higher largely due to the increase in the sales of larger-sized homes. In the luxury market, the median sales price increased to $2.205 million, up 9.2 percent from the same quarter last year while the median sales price for single family homes overall showed a slight increase of 2.9 percent from $605,400 to $622,750. But, houses are also moving slower, averaging 189 days on the market compared to 181 days during the same period in 2010 with the number of sales dropping 24.3 percent.

Home Happenings

Perennials and Shrubs For ShadeWhy should sun-loving plantings get all the glory? Take a walking tour and get free expert landscaping tips for populating the shadier areas of your garden at Lasdon Park, Arboretum & Veterans Memorial (Route 35 in Somers) from 2 pm to 3 pm on Sunday, July 24. Lasdon’s horticulturist will share information on the culture of perennials and shrubs that fare best in the shade and will answer questions about working with shady areas. For more information, call the Westchester County Parks Department at (914) 864-7263.

About This Blog

White Plains resident and writer Karen Odom has a passion for interesting architecture, especially when architecture and history collide. Her extensive experience as a real estate feature writer has led her in an around Westchester's distinctive homes uncovering the fascinating stories behind the houses, their owners, architects, and designers with awe, admiration, and more than just a little amazing curiosity.